The sacred road to the mother of all Balinese temples. From Ubud's artistic valley to the secret valley of Sidemen, then the climb to Pura Besakih, the mother temple perched at 1000 metres on the slopes of Mount Agung. The route strings together royal heritage in Klungkung, amphitheatre rice fields and a winding climb through forests and coffee plantations. Long and uphill, it takes a full day and a minimum of riding confidence — but delivers spiritual Bali at its grandest.
Route itinerary steps · Ubud → Sidemen → Besakih
Ubud — departure via the east road
Klungkung — Kertha Gosa
Sidemen Road
Sidemen Village
Pura Kehen, Bangli
Rendang climb road
Pura Besakih — Mother Temple
🏨 Where to stay along the route · Ubud → Sidemen → Besakih
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🎟 Things to do · Ubud → Sidemen → Besakih
🍜 Where to eat along the route · Ubud → Sidemen → Besakih
❓ FAQ · Ubud → Besakih▾
What is the distance from Ubud to Besakih (via Sidemen)?
Ubud and Besakih (via Sidemen) are about 55km apart, roughly 2h by scooter (indicative driving time, excluding stops and traffic). The BaliRoads itinerary includes 7 stops along the way.
Scooter or car for Ubud → Besakih?
This route suits a scooter well: a 125cc automatic is generally enough and typically rents for €6–10 a day depending on season and rental company.
When is the best time to do Ubud → Besakih?
The dry season, from April to October, offers the best conditions: clear skies, dry roads and crisp light.
All distances between Bali's main spots: → travel times
ℹ️ Practical tips · Ubud → Sidemen → Besakih▾
When to go?
The dry season, from April to October, offers the best conditions: clear skies, dry roads and crisp light. Set off early — ideally before 7am — to enjoy the sights before the crowds, ride in the cool of the morning and keep a margin at the end of the day. During the rainy season (November to March), showers mostly fall in the afternoon and can make the road slippery; keep a light windbreaker within reach.
Scooter or car?
This route suits a scooter well: a 125cc automatic is generally enough and typically rents for €6–10 a day depending on season and rental company. An international driving licence with the right category is required, a helmet is essential and traffic drives on the left. If you're a beginner, keep a relaxed pace, avoid night rides and always check the insurance, brakes, tyres and lights before setting off.
On the road
Fill up before the remote stretches — in villages, petrol is also sold by the bottle at small warungs. Download the offline map on Google Maps, since signal can weaken in the mountains. Bring water, sunscreen and some cash for temple entry fees and parking. Finally, a sarong is required at sacred sites: it's almost always available to borrow or rent on site.
Important: these tips are indicative. Always check local conditions on the day you set off: weather, traffic, site opening hours, road conditions, parking rules, licence validity, insurance and the condition of the rented vehicle.
Go further: renting a scooter · international licence · best time to go · road safety
🛡️ Travel insurance · Bali▾
Before hitting the road
For this route, the simplest option is to get a quote for international Heymondo travel insurance suited to Bali. Check the essential cover: medical expenses abroad, 24/7 assistance, repatriation, luggage and a cancellation option, depending on the contract terms and plan chosen.
If you rent a scooter, check the exclusions carefully: required licence category, permitted engine size and the conditions that apply to two-wheelers.
This overview is for information only and is not personalised insurance advice. Read the cover, limits, excesses, exclusions and terms directly in the contract before you buy.
Get my Heymondo insurance quote →
More on riding safely: road safety guide
📶 Travel eSIM · Bali▾
Internet from the moment you land
No need to hunt for a local SIM card at the airport: with Saily, the eSIM installs in a few minutes before departure and switches on automatically the moment you land in Bali. Handy for following the GPS map of this route and staying reachable, without touching your usual number or paying roaming fees.
Before ordering, check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked (most recent iPhones and Android phones are).
Sponsored link: Saily. Data allowance, validity, coverage and eSIM compatibility depend on your phone model and country of residence.
Full breakdown: SIM card, money & apps guide
🔒 Travel VPN · Bali▾
Browse securely on public wifi
Hotel, warung and co-working wifi in Bali is convenient but rarely secure, and some banking or streaming apps get fussy once you're abroad. NordVPN encrypts your connection on these public networks and lets you keep browsing as if you were still at home.
Install it before you leave and connect in one tap: handy for checking your bank, booking your next stop or accessing your usual services with peace of mind.
Sponsored link: NordVPN. Plans, prices and number of devices vary with subscription length and country of residence.
More on connectivity: SIM card, money & apps guide